FG targets mid-2027 to connect all riverine communities to telecoms

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and his Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa counterpart, at the event. Photo credit: Dele Ogunyemi

The Federal Government has announced plans to connect all riverine communities across Nigeria to telecommunications services by mid-2027.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, disclosed this on Sunday at Obighoro, a riverine community in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Tijani spoke while addressing participants at the grand finale of the Bini Riva Live festival, organised as part of activities marking the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The minister, who attended the event alongside the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said President Bola Tinubu had directed his ministry to ensure that underserved communities were connected to telecommunications services.

Tijani said the government was already installing 3,700 telecommunications facilities in rural communities across the country, with Obighoro-Ogheye among the areas targeted.

He said, “It is important that we ensure that we connect every part of this country, including the riverine communities.

“And as God will have it, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved for my ministry to ensure that every part of this country is connected.”

According to him, the network installation in Obighoro-Ogheye would be formally flagged off in October.

“We are coming back in October to flag off the network that will be here,” he said.

Tijani added that the government expected all riverine communities to have access to telecommunications services before the middle of 2027.

“Before mid-next year, all riverine communities in Nigeria will not only be connected to the rest of the country, but will be connected to the rest of the world at large,” he said.

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He said the investment was justified by the economic contributions of riverine communities, stressing that improved connectivity would help unlock their economic potential.

“These are communities based in the area that is giving so much to our economy, and we believe there is no money expended on this infrastructure that is not justifiable,” he said.

Tijani added that the initiative was part of efforts to use telecommunications infrastructure to strengthen the national economy.

“Mr President has given us the mandate that we must ensure how the national economy can be further boosted through effective communications,” he said.

Also speaking, Musawa said the Federal Government had concluded plans to include the Bini Riva Live cultural festival in the ministry’s annual calendar.

She said the move was aimed at promoting the festival and attracting tourists from within and outside Nigeria.

She said arrangements had been concluded, “to input the rich Bini Riva Live cultural festival in the Ministry’s Calendar running from January to December every year with a view to attracting local and foreign tourists.”

The minister also urged residents of riverine communities to expand their fishing activities and develop the industry to meet international standards.

Earlier, the National Leader of Obighoro community, Dr Godwin Ebosa, commended the Federal Government delegation for its interest in the socio-economic development of riverine communities.

Ebosa also pledged the continued support of residents for government programmes aimed at improving the welfare and economic prospects of rural communities.